Proposed Consolidation of Conservation Authorities

On October 31, 2025, Ontario announced its intent to modernize conservation authorities, including the introduction of Bill 68 to create the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA), a new provincial body intended to strengthen coordination and oversight. On November 7, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) posted a proposal on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) seeking feedback on proposed boundaries and criteria to consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into seven regional conservation authorities, organized primarily along watershed boundaries. Under this proposal, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) would become part of the Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority. The posting also contains five consultation questions relating to the transition into regional conservation authorities, governance considerations, and approaches to ensure strong relationships with municipalities and communities within the new structure.

The GRCA Board of Directors has submitted official comments to the Province as part of the process.

In summary, the GRCA Board recognizes the value in modernizing the current system and supports efforts to enhance consistency, improve permitting, modernize technical standards, and strengthen coordination across Ontario. The GRCA has identified several critical considerations to support a successful transition:

    1. Scale of the Proposed Regional Model

The GRCA Board is concerned that the scale of the proposed regional consolidation may be too large to preserve the strengths that have historically made watershed management successful in Ontario. Smaller, regionally focused watershed models, such as the current Source Protection Regions, are proven regional models that demonstrate how a balanced governance structure can achieve consistency and efficiency without sacrificing local responsiveness. By operating within manageable geographic areas, conservation authorities can ensure that services are tailored to the unique environmental, social and economic characteristics of each watershed, while still benefiting from shared resources and standardized processes.

2. Protection of Local Knowledge, Assets, and Investments

Effective watershed governance relies on strong connections to local needs, priorities, and knowledge, which in turn guide natural hazard management, shape infrastructure decisions, and strengthen watershed health, stewardship programs, and community partnerships. The GRCA maintains significant watershed-specific infrastructure, reserves, and land assets built through decades of watershed investment. Clear assurances are required to ensure these resources remain dedicated to the watershed communities they were intended to serve.

3. Governance, Accountability, and Municipal Representation

The GRCA Board has significant concerns about the governance structure of the OPCA. The agency will report to a provincial ministry and be governed entirely by provincially appointed board members. At the same time, conservation authorities, and therefore municipalities, will be required to fund all or a portion of the agency’s operations through the existing levy/apportionment process. This means that municipalities may ultimately contribute all or a significant share of OPCA’s budget without having any meaningful role in shaping its governance, priorities, or strategic direction.

Additional clarity is also needed regarding the governance responsibilities of the new Regional Conservation Authority Boards. A strong Regional Conservation Authority Board must balance local accountability, fair representation, and operational efficiencies.

The Province has recognized the critical role conservation authorities play in protecting people from floods and natural hazards, managing watersheds, and providing public access to natural spaces. The Province has indicated that the proposed regional conservation authorities would continue to provide the same programs and services as they do currently.

At this time, there are no direct implications for the GRCA’s current programs or services, and no decisions have been made. The Province is consulting on the proposed regional boundaries and has indicated that further analysis and consultation would occur before any decisions are finalized.

ERO #025-1257 is open for public comment until December 22, 2025.